Symtoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD in Adults include:
In children, additional symptoms may include fidgeting, disruptive behavior, inability to stay seated, trouble waiting their turn
According to a recent study by the American Medical Association, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy resulted in significant improvement in ADHD symptoms over just medication alone, and the benefits were maintained at 12 months:
One of the main things that helps the symptoms of ADHD is medication that has to be prescribed by an MD. But recent studies have shown that a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy together achieve the greatest results.
Counseling can help you find new patterns to be organized and stay focused. Learning skills to slow down and discipline yourself to focus can be very helpful in the symptoms of ADHD. Forgetfulness can be a common symptom of ADHD because the distractibility causes a person to forget things they plan to do.
Oftentimes this distractability effects family systems. So if you grow up in a family system that’s hyperactive you won’t notice how problematic it is into you get it in a family system that doesn’t act the same way.
In therapy we focus on helping you learn to manage the symptoms so they are not problematic. 70% of people with ADHD also have a coexisting condition that therapy can be very helpful with.
The first thing to look at is not just “do you meet the criteria for ADHD” We explore if there is another condition like post-traumatic stress disorder that can mirror the ADHD symptoms. Next is to explore options that can be very helpful with these symptoms. Next would be helping a person to regulate and manage the symptoms that are most problematic.
Even though medication can be the most helpful thing a person can do with ADHD, there are often many habits and problematic symptoms that can only be helped through therapy. Often ADHD creates difficulty in relationships and therapy can be very helpful in a more fulfilling relationship especially with family members.
I have 40 years of counseling experience dealing with people with ADHD. I have seen that regular therapy gives you a better understanding of the symptoms and how they affect you. As well as a better understanding about how to manage the problematic symptoms.
People often have a variety of symptoms, where one or two are more problematic than the others. So we look at which ones are problematic for you as an individual and discover ways that you can better manage these symptoms.
Your life will significantly improve after treatment, because the symptoms not only create problems for you but also your relationships. Therefore as you’re better able to “own” and regulate your symptoms, you will have better relationships and a more wholehearted life.
Reduction in Anxiety
Relationship improvement
Greater skill at managing anger
Improved self-esteem
Better work track record
The end result is to help you make step by step changes that result in a more fulfilling, enjoyable life.
Here’s my FAQ, or I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. When I’m in session it’s not possible to answer phone calls, so it’s best to call & leave me a detailed voicemail message at 253-952-4147. You can typically expect a reply from me within 24 hours.
You can make an appointment by emailing me, using the “Schedule an Appointment” form, or leaving me a voicemail message. I will reply as soon as possible.
© 2024 Counseling in Federal Way by Paul Croft LMHC Therapist